Author Chat with Melanie Watt (Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!

Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Melanie Watt!

Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!

Meet the Author: Melanie Watt

Author and illustrator MELANIE WATT is the bestselling creative genius behind many beloved picture books for children, including the Scaredy Squirrel series, the Chester series, Bug in a Vacuum, You’re Finally Here!, Have I Got a Book for You! and Augustine. Melanie’s books have received numerous starred reviews from journals, including Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and have won many state awards, including the Virginia Readers’ Choice Award, North Carolina Children’s Book Award and Maryland’s Black-Eyed Susan Award. She is a multiple winner of the Ontario Library Association’s Blue Spruce Award and the Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award. The Scaredy Squirrel animated television series airs on the Cartoon Network in the US and YTV in Canada.

About the Book: Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly

Scaredy Squirrel can’t wait for Halloween, with its cute decorations, cheerful music . . . and NOTHING spooky. This funny early graphic novel about getting ready for Halloween and overcoming your fears, now available in paperback, is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly.

Being scared is nothing new to Scaredy Squirrel in his fourth NUTTY ADVENTURE. That’s why he’s fully prepared for Halloween: bright lighting? Check. Adorable pumpkin décor? Check. Costumes? You bet. Ghosts, vampires and monsters? That’s a big negative. And no trick-or-treating; Scaredy doesn’t want to risk cracking a tooth! But with some gentle support and encouragement from his friends, Scaredy learns he can still have a good time and overcome his fears . . . and maybe even get a little spooky! (But just a little.)

Publisher * Amazon * B&N

~Author Chat~

YABC: What inspired you to write this book?

MW: I wanted to write a book about Halloween featuring Scaredy Squirrel and his friends. Scaredy has a neurotic personality, and it’s fun to see how he would react and dress up, on the scariest day of the year!

YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?

MW: The Scaredy character came first because Scaredy is part of a series of picture books and graphic novels. The Halloween theme was the jumping-off point for the setting and tone of the story.

YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?

MW: In Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly, you can expect quirkiness, silliness and humor! Also, Scaredy’s Halloween adventure includes his three friends, Ivy, Tim and Rash, who have very distinct personalities. Their teamwork and friendship make for a whirlwind of trick-or-treating fun!

Most of my books, whether it be the Chesterseries or You’re Finally Here!, have a humorous feel!

YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?

MW: Probably potato chips.

YABC: If you could time travel what would you want to see?

MW: I think I’d travel to the Jurassic period so I could see some dinosaurs. It would be fun but a bit scary for sure!

YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?

MW: On my porch, I have a flowering plant, where two adorable hummingbirds come to feed. They are so fascinating to look at with their shimmering colors and super-speed.

YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?

MW: I love to work in my studio where I have a lot of natural light. Unlike Scaredy Squirrel,

I don’t really have a routine. I work when I’m inspired.

YABC: What’s up next for you?

MW: I’m developing a new series. The first book is called 10 Shocking Facts About Capybaras. It includes fun facts as well as a surprising twist that comes from the animal himself. In the book, Capybara is determined to hide one particularly shocking fact. It’s especially funny to see what this capybara is prepared to do to avoid shedding light on this unflattering truth!

This book is the first of the series and it’s published by Scholastic.

Title: Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly

Author/Illustrator: Melanie Watt

Release Date: July 7, 2026

Publisher: Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada

Genre: Children’s Comic Book / Humorous / Halloween

Age Range: 6-9 years old

ISBN-13: 9781774888841

ISBN-10: 177488884X

~ Giveaway Details ~

Use the Rafflepress Form below to enter

*Be sure to include a complete mailing address for the second entry question to qualify to win*

Ten (10) winners will receive a copy of Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly, Scaredy Squirrel Gets Festive, Scaredy Squirrel Gets A Surprise & Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell (Melanie Watt) ~US/CAN Only!

Tags: giveaway, Interview, Melanie Watt, Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly, Tundra Books / Penguin Random House Canada

Author Chat with Melanie Watt (Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly), Plus Giveaway~ US/CAN ONLY!

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